1. Have you not seen that my body has merit
While your body is harmed by decline?

2. You perfume yourself while disparaging me
Yet your philosophy does not avail you.

3. You are as wealth in the hands of fate -
And all wealth passes beyond its destined hour.

4. And I reckon we are barren camels driven on,
Behind them a harsh driver urging speed.

5. I grieved over one departed and asked about him -
Does one like me grieve over a past already gone?

6. I have lived for many nights
Yet did not keep vigil for when an eclipse would come.

7. Do the stars that rise have any wisdom
That they would know when an eclipse will overtake them?

8. Can you hear, see, suffer,
Taste, perceive or decline?